The Perspective Essays One Year Anniversary Letter

Of Note: This letter went out to subscribers of the website on May 14, 2017 and is now being posted for the benefit of the subscribers and site followers alike. Thank you.

Hello All,

This is a simple newsletter from Jacob Rueda, author of The Perspective Essays. It has been almost a year since the book came out and much has happened around the world and perhaps in your corner of the planet. If you’ve read the book, you know that it covers many topics ranging from the external (economics, social consciousness, etc.) to the internal (self-awareness and examination, etc.). Hopefully those who have read it have gained something in their knowledge and experience. The point of reading such a book is to see how the information affected the reader and how it perhaps challenged, affirmed, or evolved a point of view or parts of it. So far, I’ve received some feedback on the book and it has all been positive. Putting such a book out can be a little daunting, especially in today’s times where so many people are quick to jump on bandwagons and podiums to display whatever internet-based knowledge they acquired from Fox News or some off-the-wall conspiracy left-wing or right-wing “news” site or blog. It’s all about show these days with little to no substance or integrity. I made every effort to keep this book as far away from that as possible, instead presenting it and anything inspired by it (WordPress posts, podcasts and videos, etc.) with the utmost in quality.

People say that “knowledge is power.” I think it’s time to re-examine that statement for there is an overabundance of things to know. It begs to wonder how much of that information is actually useful and how discerning are individuals nowadays when it comes to information and knowledge. For example, a person can know everything there is to know about a celebrity feud. Just what kind of power can be had from having such knowledge? How is that information being used, if it is of any use at all? There are extreme viewpoints out there that will not evolve. Is having those viewpoints and the knowledge held by them substantial in any way? And again, what kind of power is gained from absorbing such information? The book is called The Perspective Essays for a reason. A perspective is seeing things from a standpoint with whatever available information or knowledge there is. It is not a matter of right and wrong, should one decide to see it that way. It is more a matter of where one stands on their viewpoints and the experiences had in life to have those viewpoints. Those views can change with new information, new light, and new experiences. In the end, it is not so much that “knowledge is power” but that knowledge itself is just raw material. The kind of knowledge had and how it is used is what grants the proverbial power of wisdom.

I’ve always thought of the book as something I would see in the philosophy section of a book store with some enquiring individual discussing its content. It has been interesting to talk to the few people I’ve encountered about the book. It has also been interesting marketing and earning money from it as well. It’s not anywhere near enough to make a living, mind you (at least not now), but every time a purchase is made is cause for celebration. It’s also nice to know that the knowledge and experience shared in the book is now going home with someone who is interested enough in the book to learn about it. It’s still a work-in-progress marketing and selling this book. Even though I’ve learned a lot not just about writing a book but about marketing and self-publishing, there is still more for me to learn. I won’t say I will adjust to or accept every idea that’s out there but I’m willing to at least modify it for my own enrichment, if you will. I believe any honest self-publishing individual would do the same.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge my local retailers, Diabolical Records and Graywhale Entertainment. Both have been gracious enough to carry the book and hold book signing events. The book has been sold and featured in their inventory and I am pleased for that. Brandon and the crew at the Taylorsville Graywhale plus Adam and Alana at Diabolical have given me an opportunity to showcase my book and I am grateful for their generosity. I also want to acknowledge those who subscribe to the website and to the newsletter. I appreciate their interest in the book as they are the first to know of any updates or happenings related to the book and the website. Those who subscribe to the plethora of social media pages for the book are also to be acknowledged and thanked for their support. Social media is a tough and sometimes irritating game but it is not without its rewards as well. With so much information pounding to get people’s attention, it’s nice to know that there are a few who turn around and see what’s being featured on the book’s social media sites. Lastly, of course, my thanks goes to those who obtained a copy of the book. I am gratified by the support.

I hope that you will continue to support the book and any of the endeavors that come from it. The video and podcast presentations are all up on the website, as well as the guided meditation, previews and interviews, free articles, and more. Every now and again there is something new to present so keep a watchful eye for what’s coming up. Just so you know, The Perspective Essays is just the first book so be on the lookout for more books and presentations in the future. In the meantime, thank you for reading this letter and for your continued support for the book. Again, I am grateful and appreciative of it.